EGBA Last Call for EU Standardization

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) reiterated its call for creating a single regulatory system that mandates all members of the European Union.This last push comes in light of the soon to be released Communication and Action Plan from the European Commission.The EGBA goal is to replace the current near-anarchy of 27 different regulatory situations throughout Europe with a clear and unified regulatory mechanism across the continent.Their hope is that a new singular system would allow for more fairness and transparency for all operators throughout Europe.

The strongest criticism is being levied against Germany. The EGBA has formally lodged official complaints against what they claim are flagrant violations of EU treaty agreements by German states. European Commission head Michele Barnier clarified in a recent speech to the European Parliament that they are committed to ensuring total compliance to EU agreements by EU member states. Ligne consequently requested that the EC hasten to deal with the German violations. Ligne believes that the EGBA has sufficient evidence that the German states are engaging in discriminatory practices in their licensing procedures.

Even though the EGBA is committed to exacting justice on any and all violations of the EU agreements, there is nonetheless an understanding that such action will not root out the problem.The only effective solution is meaningful Europe-wide legislation that includes clear licensing and regulatory standards as well as an enforcement body to ensure compliance.In addition to ensuring a proper environment for all the casino operators in Europe, this is also the only way to protect casino consumers and provide them with all the necessary auxiliary services.